MAKING THE GRADE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

making the grade

phrase

present participle of make the grade

as in making it

to reach a desired level of accomplishment There were many applicants for the position, but only a few made the grade for an interview.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for making the grade

Phrase

That’s lowered expectations to just a handful, or none, of these startups making it to public markets, the sources said.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Fort Worth Arlington Heights Fresh off making it past the area round for the first time since 1973, the Yellow Jackets have another talented team under head coach Curtis James.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of making it

Phrase

For a franchise that has experienced the playoffs in consecutive seasons five times in its 150-year history, getting there back-to-back years is an accomplishment, even with the Cubs not accomplishing their goal of winning the World Series.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Moreover, the contrast between Paulina and Eloise shows who Paulina might become and the cost of getting there.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of getting there

Phrase

With Día de Muertos just a month away, outdoor footwear manufacturer Timberland is getting ahead of the Mexican holiday celebration with the launch of a new Premium 6-Inch waterproof boot pack made up of unique styles for men and women.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Some strategists think the market is getting ahead of itself — that yields now essentially are pricing in stronger economic growth and are overly sensitive to the vagaries of oil prices amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of getting ahead

Phrase

Use it in salads by marinating in soy sauce, lime juice, and black pepper, cutting it into thin strips, and sauteing with a little coconut oil.

— Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
If a stage is a tenth of the path, then even cutting it to zero shortens the path by a tenth at most.

— Illia Smoliienko, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of cutting it

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Browse Nearby Words

making sport of

making the grade

making tracks

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Style

“Making the grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/making%20the%20grade. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of making the grade

phrase

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